This work aims at understanding digital platform ecosystems from a

• Firstly, the study highlights the main organisational, economic and technological features of these environments.
• Then, the study looks at public and private platform environments and evaluate differences between the two sectors.

The analysis is structured along with the different roles that governments may play and reflects on its implications.

In addition, interoperability issues and the role of location information and intelligence is evaluated. A qualitative analysis of costs and benefits is also included.